Under Maryland law, just as in other states, it is illegal for someone to knowingly provide alcohol to another person who is a minor. Intent is important here. They need to understand upfront that the other person is under 21 years old, and they have to intentionally give that person alcohol that they couldn’t purchase on their own.
If this can be shown, the first violation can lead to a fine of $2,500. Subsequent violations increase this fine to $5,000.
Why does this happen?
This is often not a random event, although you do sometimes hear stories of underage college students waiting outside of a party store to get adults to buy them alcohol. But most of the time, it just happens when someone is buying alcohol for their friends.
For instance, say that three college students all live together and they are 20 years old. One of them has their 21st birthday. Now that they can legally purchase alcohol, they buy drinks for everyone and bring them back to the apartment. Maybe they even throw a party with other friends, and the person who is of age makes all of the purchases.
In fact, these social connections are often why people commit this crime. Someone may not have ever intended to break the law, but they face a lot of peer pressure from their friends, who want them to purchase alcohol on their behalf. But if they decide to do so, they could face stiff fines.
Have you been arrested?
If you’ve been arrested for alcohol-related offenses, such as furnishing alcohol to a minor, be sure you understand exactly what legal defense options you have and what steps to take moving forward.